Joe Koenig – Somethin’ Concrete

Mellow can often mean bland, but it can also be deceiving. The heartfelt sincerity of Somethin’ Concrete by Joe Koenig (Official / Myspace) comes through in a mellow flow that is soulful, not shallow. The Californian considers his folk-rock/country/gospel hybrid to be a Texan form of soul. Such a description is appropriate, as Koenig spent many formative years singing in the churches of Texas as a youngster, before trekking to the sun-soaked west and venturing into the world of rock and roll with some buddies from college.

The steady diet of gospel from his youth is evident in many spots on the album. “Colors” even employs a backing gospel choir, which enhances the robust vocal performance even more at that point. The subject matter that is covered here – love, life, changes, etc… – is rather typical, but the authenticity that is given to these topics by Koenig drawing from his own experiences makes each song avoid the doldrums of mellow-for-mellow’s sake. It’s that hearty vocal tone and delivery that really shines on this collection, as it elevates the entire product and provides something fresh by simply being vulnerable and real.

About the author: I likes me some wine, women and waffles, not always in that order (but usually). Chaucer is cool, but fart jokes are even better. You feel like spikin' your country with a little soul or mix in a little rock without the roll? Lemme hear from ya!!

Well, i come from a more classic form of rock&roll, as Joe did with his previous band, but i was surprised by the authenticity of the music and the lyrics here.. Having met the guy in real life after listening to the album for lots of months, i can only assure you that its indeed 100% genuine and every song has a story.

I am definitely rooting for the next album and i suggest you listen to his live recording which you can buy/download through his blog/website, it really has an extra element, being a live recording. He is really into music with a passion and i am pretty sure the next album (and any next album by him) will be a keeper and it will occupy my car stereo and my computer’s audio player for a long time (till the next release?).

all in all, a great cd, only thing i would ask for (not a downer though) is more songs! It ends pretty quick, given i like it so much.

Having watched Joe go through the process of writing and recording Somethin’ Concrete, it is clear to me that he put his heart and soul into the record. The words that make up the album are truths about Joe’s life, whether referring to the good times or bad. Joe Koenig is a hard working, honest, good person and a great friend. If you take the time to listen to the album, I’m pretty sure that those qualities will shine through. When so much music is about creating an image or trying to sell a lifestyle, it is refreshing to listen to an artist like Joe who is telling stories about life and being open about the joys of family and the pain of loss. As a friend, it is hard to listen to Joe’s music without a bias but I think most would agree that he has a gift. Take a listen. Joe won’t let you down.

Melba

Being his aunt, I have known Joe since the day he was born and he has always loved music! He amazes me with each song he has done. He is a great nephew with a love of life and a heart of gold. Not only is he a musician, but a great artist who can do about anything he puts his mind to. Each song is sung from the bottom of his heart! He is a gift to life and his wife is starting to do some music with him. I am proud to be their aunt!!

A great album… with so much feeling and soul. Joe is a wonderful artist with talent for lyrics. His voice is rock solid. Watching him live reach into his chest to unload his growling voice, is an experience that should never be missed. Can’t wait for the next album!

After reading what everyone else has wrote, there isn’t much else to say. The first time I ever saw Joe Koenig was back in 2007. I was fresh off a plane from Australia yet drove north a ways to catch Eliot Morris and Bob Schneider play a gig. I got their early and this young guy wearing a pulled down hat, sitting on a stool with a guitar, was jamming Ryan Adams’ songs. I grabbed a beer, took a seat, and was blown away. He ended up killing the show for Morris & Schneider; I actually left before Schneider was done as I’d seen what I’d wanted to. Koenig’s a classic, all there is to it.
-asb